Some in Central Mass like lower voting age idea

The idea of lowering the voter age to 17 is an interesting one. Most of us are grappling with people who have the right to vote not exercising that right.

-- Lisa A. Wong, FITCHBURG MAYOR

A recent initiative in Lowell to lower the voting age to 17 that began with a group of high school kids upset with cuts to their school has gotten some officials in Worcester County thinking about the possibility.

Though the bill, co-sponsored by state Rep. Richard Bastien, R-Gardner, died in legislative session, Mr. Bastien said yesterday he plans to refile it in January.

“I think it is a great initiative,” he said. “I used to teach history in high school and was always trying to motivate kids and get them excited about politics. This would help them get to know their legislative officials before they go to college and get them more involved in the process.”

The bill, he explained, would only allow those younger than 18 to vote in city elections such as for school committee or city council, but not in regional, state or national elections.

“This might be something to expand on and look at in other cities and towns,” he said. “As a Republican, I hear the argument that if we extend voting to younger people, somehow they’ll be brainwashed by teachers to vote Democrat. But, the way I feel, regardless of the party, it is our duty to engage the younger generations and get them excited about why they should vote for one candidate or another and talk about their issues.”

Fitchburg Mayor Lisa A. Wong said she loves the idea that youth band together to try to initiate change.

In 2008, at age 28, the daughter of Chinese immigrants became the state’s first female Asian-American mayor and has remained popular with younger voters in the city.

“The idea of lowering the voter age to 17 is an interesting one,” Ms. Wong said. “Most of us are grappling with people who have the right to vote not exercising that right.”

Also chair of her city’s school committee, Ms. Wong said members have discussed the idea of having high school students vote for their own representative on the school committee.

“I love the idea (Lowell’s petition) was something initiated by youth,” she said. “That would probably be something that would make me support this more than if it were just adults considering it. In Fitchburg it would be something interesting to bring up to councilors and school committee members. Even if I think it is a good idea, there would need to be citywide support for something like this.”

She said she would support putting it on the ballot in the city.

“If I could vote at 17, I would have voted at 17,” she added. “My family really started voting when I turned 18. I really got my family out to voting in elections. I wouldn’t be surprised if there are more stories of kids getting parents to vote.”

Robert G. Boatright, associate professor in the political science department at Clark University in Worcester, said although he feels it is a good idea, he doesn’t think it would affect the outcome of municipal elections much.

“I’m skeptical that it would change election results,” Mr. Boatright said. “There isn’t much turnout at the municipal level and in general younger voters don’t vote as much as older voters anyway. I don’t think it would affect the election.

“On the other hand, it would be great for students to get in the habit of this stuff. Most kids in their senior year of high school take a civics class and are taught about American government. It would be a great thing for them to apply that knowledge and actually get a chance to vote.”

He said he has not seen much movement at the national level to lower the voting age, yet people under age 18 are allowed to contribute financially to political candidates and engage in other political activities.

“They are permitted to do everything in politics expect vote,” Mr. Boatright said. “I think it has been talked about in Worcester before by councilors in the past, but it really hasn’t gone anywhere. Cities could experiment with this and see what happens.”

“They might do it on trial basis to see what types of results they get and see how many vote,” Mr. Hicks said. “Students might come out if something directly affects them like a Proposition 2-1/2 override to retain teachers at their school. On a trial basis, I would be in favor it.”

He said he commends the students in Lowell for taking the initiative about something they feel strongly about.

“They certainly have a vested interest like we do,” he said. “People say they don’t pay taxes, but a lot of 17-year-olds have jobs and pay income and sales tax including on automobiles …There would have to be enough participating to make it meaningful.”

Erik P. Arnold, assistant principal at Uxbridge High School, said as a former history teacher, he would be in favor of the measure.

“Certainly a 17-year-old knows enough about local politics and what is going on that they should be allowed to vote. I praise the efforts of the students of Lowell. They are doing what lots of teachers hope their students would do — getting involved and speaking up. I wish them luck.”